* The effects of war on health Nov 15, 2009
Similarly, ionizing radiation from the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 led to medical complications such as cancers, nausea, hair loss, bleeding into the skin, inflammation of the mouth and throat and birth defects. Nigel Brown, an expert in the causes of birth defects and dean of the faculty of medicine and biomedical science at St Georges, University of London, points out that war zones such as Fallujah involve many of the risk factors that cause deformities in... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Chromosomes dance and pair up on the nuclear membrane Nov 14, 2009
"Errors during meiosis lead to age-related human infertility, and to birth defects such as Down syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome," said Abby Dernburg, UC Berkeley associate professor of molecular and cell biology and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. "Our work teaches us about the fundamental mechanisms of genome organization, about how cells execute processes in precise ways, monitor their own mistakes and correct or eliminate them.". (EurekAlert!)
New breast hope for cancer women Nov 13, 2009
The scientists believe the technology could also have a role in repairing the damage to tissue and skin caused by burns or other accidents, cancers in other areas of the body and even birth defects. "The technology, which we are currently producing, has allowed us to grow fat tissue," said Professor Wayne Morrison, head of the Bernard O'Brien Institute. (BBC News -- Health)
Early Childhood Developmental Delay... Nov 12, 2009
Birth Defects and Premature Babies ... Birth defects such as cerebral palsy can also cause delays. (Suite101.com)
Study links BPA in plastics to erectile dysfunction Nov 12, 2009
The health effects of BPA have been hotly debated; although some studies have linked BPA to a risk of brain damage, birth defects, hyperactivity, heart disease, early puberty, obesity, and prostate cancer, other research suggests that the low level of exposure from plastics doesn't pose a health risk to adults. (The picture is less clear for children. (CNN -- US)
When Is A Fetus Able To Survive Outside The Womb? Nov 11, 2009
"It's about better medicine and better healthcare. We also want fewer birth defects and better survival rates," Prof. Barnea, an inventor of other OB/GYN diagnostic devices, adds. (Science Daily)
Lead in red wine vinegars could hurt kids Nov 10, 2009
In California, warning signs are posted on stores' vinegar shelves as part of a legal settlement under a state law, Proposition 65, that requires consumers to be notified when products contain chemicals tied to cancer, birth defects or reproductive toxicity. Still, there is no easy way of knowing how much lead is in a bottle of vinegar. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Pfizer Broke Law by Promoting Drugs for Wrong Uses In Violation of Pledge Nov 9, 2009
The catalyst was , a morning sickness drug taken by pregnant women outside the U.S. that caused severe birth defects. Recouping Investments. (Bloomberg)
LETTER: What will U.S. do about depleted uranium? Nov 8, 2009
Reports from Iraq indicate increased rates of cancer, especially in children, and increased rates of birth defects that may be due to DU exposure. DU has been found to cause mutations in humans and laboratory animals and cancers including leukemia in laboratory rodents. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Article lacked evidence of ambivalence Nov 8, 2009
danielh wrote on Nov 7, 2009 9:54 AM:" Col. Franklin O. Bernhoft, Ph. D.: Do you know what are the symptoms of radiation poisoning?Do you know what is the cause for the gulf war syndrome, and just exactly it entails?If you knew a battle field was irradiated, would you give orders to foot soldiers to march across?Do you care to address the chemical content of the Kinetic Energy Kill weapon projectile, which is used to kill tanks, and also valuable for reducing America's stockpile of depleted... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Dangers of Vitamin and Mineral Over... Nov 8, 2009
Pregnant women should avoid taking large doses of vitamin A because of the risk of birth defects occurring with the baby. The average adult age 19 and older requires between 700 to 900 IU of vitamin A each day. (Suite101.com)
March of Dimes to conduct prematurity roll call Nov 7, 2009
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Some vitamins may be harmful Nov 6, 2009
4 milligrams of folic acid daily during and even before pregnancy to prevent birth defects. But forget the vitamin E and other stuff. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Folic Acid Supplements Linked To Asthma, Study Suggests Nov 5, 2009
Associate Professor Michael Davies says that folic acid supplements -- recommended for pregnant women to prevent birth defects -- appear to have "additional and unexpected" consequences in recent studies in mice and infants. "In our study, supplemental folic acid in late pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of asthma in children, but there was no evidence to suggest any adverse effects if supplements were taken in early pregnancy.". (Science Daily)
Study Ties Common Drugs To Birth Defects Nov 4, 2009
CHICAGO -- Researchers studying antibiotics in pregnancy have found a surprising link between common drugs used to treat urinary infections and birth defects ... It found that mothers of babies with birth defects were more likely than mothers with healthy babies to report taking two types of antibiotics during pregnancy: sulfa drugs (brand names include Thiosulfil Forte and Bactrim) and urinary germicides called nitrofurantoins (brand names include Furadantin and Macrobid) ... It was the first... (KIRO TV, WA)
Dr. Murray Feingold: 'Yea' vs. 'yes' Nov 4, 2009
Massachusetts-based Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of the National Birth Defects Center, medical editor of WBZ-TV and WBZ radio, and president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases. (Wakefield Observer, MA)
Antibiotic Use During Pregnancy And Birth Defects: Study Examines Associations Nov 4, 2009
3, 2009) Penicillin and several other antibacterial medications commonly taken by pregnant women do not appear to be associated with many birth defects, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. However, other antibiotics, such as sulfonamides and nitrofurantoins, may be associated with several severe birth defects and require additional scrutiny ... D., of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,... (Science Daily)
Some Antibiotics May Increase Birth Defects Nov 4, 2009
Some of the antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections during pregnancy may increase the risk of several birth defects if a woman uses them early in pregnancy, a new study in the Archives of Pediatrics scent Medicine shows ... "Most of the commonly used antibiotics do not seem to be associated with most of the birth defects we studied," study co-author Dr. Krista S. Crider, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, told Reuters Health ... To investigate, they looked... (Newsmax)
CDC Study Links 2 Antibiotics to Birth Defects Nov 4, 2009
MONDAY, Nov. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Taking antibiotics during pregnancy does not raise the risk for most birth defects, though there are some exceptions, new research has found. Penicillin, which is the most commonly used antibiotic during pregnancy, as well as erythromycin, cephalosporins and quinolones, other widely prescribed antibiotics, were not associated with increased risk for about 30 different birth defects ... However, the study found that two types of antibiotics were linked with a... (MEDLINEplus)
What is Toxicology? Nov 3, 2009
Risk assessments may target specific chemicals, outlining their risk of causing certain ailments such as cancer, birth defects or obesity. Potential Harmful Health Effects of Chemicals. (Suite101.com)
Nasa to irradiate monkeys for space voyage research... Nov 3, 2009
" There are people who steal animals to sell them to research labs, who knowingly buy them. As a Humane Society volunteer, I can tell you that there are people who, with their children in tow, show up wherever someone has advertised in the paper for free animals, or animals free to good homes. Those people who stand at the grocery store and hand out their unwanted puppies, kittens and rabbits no doubt choose to give no thought to the lives ahead for those animals. What can we expect from a... (The Drudge Report)
- Voice: Kill poppies, cut off funding (4) Nov 2, 2009
It has caused birth defects in hundreds of thousands of children in Vietnam and the U.S. that is, the second and third generations of those who were exposed to Agent Orange decades ago. Medical evidence indicates that certain cancers (for example, soft tissue non-Hodgkins Lymphoma), diabetes (type II), and in children spina bifida and other birth defects, are attributable to the exposure. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
‘Light a Little Star’ planned for Nov. 7 Nov 1, 2009
The Light a Little Star will raise money to help improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births and infant mortality ... We also want to prevent any birth defects that make children unable to walk, talk, hear or think. (Brenham Banner, TX)
Horrendous legacy Oct 31, 2009
Then there is the escalating number of birth defects, including cleft palates, webbed feet and hands, twisted limbs, brain damage and heart problems. Shankar Nagar is a slum area of the city, just north of the derelict Union Carbide factory. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Tough choices: Pregnant with cancer Oct 30, 2009
I had a team of doctors -- oncologists, obstetricians, fertility specialists -- and we had a strategy, a plan A, B, and C. Because of the risk of miscarriage and birth defects, I couldn't take Gleevec -- the drug that put me in remission -- during the pregnancy. But my oncologist didn't want me to stop it while I was trying to conceive in case it took a while. (CNN)
Stem Cells Make Precursors For Sperm, Eggs Oct 29, 2009
"Although most of our birth defects are caused by problems in the development of eggs or sperm," said Reijo Pera, "it's not clear why there are so many errors. This research gives us a system we can use to compare errors in the germ line vs. somatic cells. For instance, we can now begin to directly investigate the effects of environmental toxins on germ cell differentiation and gamete development. We've already seen that, even in a dish, germ cells appear to be more sensitive to these... (Science Daily)
High cost of feral cats (7) Oct 29, 2009
Toxoplasmosis also damages human embryos, causing infant mortality, cerebral palsy, blindness, mental retardation and other birth defects. Plus, feral cats transfer roundworms, hookworms and ringworm to humans and wildlife. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
India's nuclear drive sparks safety fears Oct 27, 2009
The Indian chapter of the International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War, in a 2008 survey, found that "sterility was found to be more common in people residing near uranium mining operations." Birth defects and congenital deformities followed a similar pattern. In the early 1990s, the Tarapur plant near Mumbai leaked radioactivity from faulty cooling systems. (Asia Times Online)
Treaty may force farms to halt use of pesticide Oct 25, 2009
Endosulfan has been linked to breast cancer, immunosuppression and birth defects, and was recently implicated in the discovery of millions of two-headed fish larvae in a Noosa River hatchery. Although restrictions on the insecticide's use were imposed by Australian authorities in 2005, it is still permitted for use on a wide range of citrus fruit, vegetables and cereals, despite a global trend of banning endosulfan outright. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Malibu dentist aims to ban mercury amalgam fillings (3) Oct 25, 2009
(1) Amalgam is mainly mercury, not silver; (2) the mercury vapors go to the developing brain of the child or the developing body of the fetus and create a risk of birth defects or permanent brain damage; and (3) non-toxic alternative materials are available. (Then, of course, virtually no one would want them. (Malibu Times, CA)
Activists appeal Kettleman decision Oct 24, 2009
They also argue that the project should not be approved unless the county investigates the cause of the recent spike in birth defects and infant deaths in Kettleman City ... The groups claim that the Local Assessment Committee process was illegal, that the environmental health risk analysis was faulty and that the county failed to investigate the increase in birth defects and infant deaths near the landfill site. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Life House banquet ‘best ever' Oct 24, 2009
She said her insurance company had suggested she consider selective reduction due to probable birth defects, but she refused. After battling the insurance company for funds, she continued, she had the triplets and they were completely healthy. (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
Fetal Study Highlights Impact Of Stress On Male Fertility Oct 23, 2009
They found that the combination strikingly increased the likelihood of reproductive birth defects ... The conditions are the most common birth defects in male babies. (Science Daily)
Caltrain fatality identified as Gunn junior William Dickens, 16 Oct 21, 2009
In 1996, more teenagers and young adults died of suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. In 1996, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among college students, the third-leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 24 years, and the fourth- leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 14 years. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Which Organic Foods Are Worth The Switch? Oct 21, 2009
Organochlorines have been attributed to causing cancer, birth defects and nervous system damage, among other health issues. They contain known toxins such as , and these pesticides accumulate in plants, animals and in the ground. (Click2Houston, TX)
Health Tip: The Importance of Folic Acid Oct 21, 2009
It can help prevent birth defects ... The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this B vitamin can reduce the risk of major birth defects affecting the spine and brain by as much as 70 percent. (MEDLINEplus)
Kings Co. planners approve landfill expansion Oct 21, 2009
Opponents told commissioners they should not approve the expansion until officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area ... HANFORD -- Kings County planning commissioners Monday night approved the expansion of a hazardous-waste landfill near Kettleman City despite previous pleas from opponents that the project should not go forward until health officials determine why five babies were born recently with birth defects ... Opponents say five of the 20 babies born in the Kettleman... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Health / Fitness Snapshots Oct 21, 2009
For more from the CDC on birth defects, visit. What to expect during a mammogram A trip to the doctor is a big enough hassle without having to deal with fear of the unknown. (Montana Standard, MT)
This is very sad. We are loosing too many wonderful people to cancer. ... Oct 20, 2009
I strongly suspect exposure to glycol ether would cause this epidemic as well as the epidemic of skyrocketing autoimmune issues, birth defects and Autism. Exposure 'looks like' the flu. (Multichannel News)
Who uses cannabis? Oct 18, 2009
"Use during pregnancy could reduce birth weight, but does not seem to cause birth defects. Whether cannabis contributes to behavioural disorders in the offspring of women who smoked cannabis is uncertain.". Misguided. (iAfrica.com)
Landfill decision expected Monday Oct 18, 2009
The opponents are worried about the project's impact on the health of Kettleman City residents, such as high incidence of birth defects. They argue that the project should not be approved until the investigation rules out environmental exposure as the cause. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Higher Fees for Workers with Health Risks? Oct 17, 2009
In other news, in order to make the free market more efficient, new legislation has passed that allows people born with birth defects, learning disabilities, etc. to be taken to a location where they will be shot. (CBS News -- US)
Paxil to Pay Woman $2.5M for Her Baby's Birth Defects Oct 16, 2009
5 Million for Her Baby's Birth Defects ... The closely watched verdict handed down Tuesday in Philadelphia was the first of about 600 similar cases pending across the country that blame Paxil for heart problems and other birth defects ... Paxil was classified as a drug with no known link to increased birth defects from its introduction in 1992 through 2005. (Fox News)
$2.5M verdict over birth defects blamed on Paxil Oct 15, 2009
5M verdict over birth defects blamed on Paxil - Yahoo ... 5M verdict over birth defects blamed on Paxil ... The closely watched verdict handed down Tuesday in Philadelphia was the first of about 600 similar cases pending across the country that blame Paxil for heart problems and other birth defects. (Yahoo News)
Environmental Armageddon? Oct 15, 2009
Opponents told commissioners they should not approve the expansion until officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area. EDITORIAL: Let Waste Management expand Kettleman site. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Jury Awards $2.5 Million In Birth Defects Linked To Paxil Oct 15, 2009
5 Million In Birth Defects Linked To Paxil ... 5 Million In Birth Defects Linked To Paxil A jury has ordered a drug maker to pay $2 ... 5 million in a suit over birth defects allegedly caused by the antidepressant drug Paxil. (KWTX.com, TX)
Our views: Toxic killer Oct 15, 2009
6 million military personnel were potentially exposed between 1965-70 to the toxic herbicide, which has been blamed for many forms of cancer and birth defects in the children of veterans. Vietnam veterans fought a long battle to get the Department of Veterans Affairs to admit the connection, with Congress finally passing the Agent Orange Act in 1991 that allowed them to receive treatment and compensation for 12 related conditions. (Florida Today)
Medications that block folic acid in pregnancy double risk of congenital malformations in fetus Oct 14, 2009
Healthcare professionals now encourage women to take folic acid supplements or eat food fortified with folic acid if they are planning to get pregnant, as well as during early pregnancy because there is clear evidence that this reduces the risk of any resulting baby having neural tube defects and possibly other birth defects (congenital malformations). The team considered the effects of two groups of medications on pregnancy. (EurekAlert!)
Unsafe Abortions Kill 70,000 Annually Oct 14, 2009
Nationally, Mexico allows abortion only in cases of rape, severe birth defects or if the mother's life is at risk, although doctors sometimes still deny the procedure under those circumstances. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills). (CBS News)
'New' type of breast cancer, DCIS, can put life on hold Oct 12, 2009
And she has had to delay trying to have children for five years while she takes a hormonal treatment called tamoxifen, which can cause birth defects. "The huge effect from DCIS is that my life has to stop," says Laufer, who was diagnosed at 37 and recently began taking the drug. (USA Today -- News)
Letter to the Editor: EPA hurts mid-level blend markets (2) Oct 11, 2009
We must also remember gasoline's benzene related carcinogens cause cancers, birth defects and family tragedies that also burden families with catastrophic costs. Ethanol emissions are being compared to gasoline emissions. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Jaw bone created from stem cells Oct 11, 2009
Problems with the joint can be the result of birth defects, arthritis or injury. Although they are widespread, treatment can be difficult. (BBC News -- Health)
Genetic Effects Of Radiation: Study Will Help Understand Radiation Exposure In Cancer Survivors And Their Children Oct 9, 2009
Scientists want to determine whether radiation and chemotherapy before conception increases the occurrence of birth defects, stillbirths and specific conditions such as Down syndrome. They also want to know if radiation treatment leads to cancer or DNA damage in the patients offspring. (Science Daily)
EPA Reviews Health Risks From Popular Weed Killer Oct 9, 2009
But new studies have shown that even at low levels atrazine in drinking water can cause low birth weights, birth defects and reproductive problems. In 2003, under the Bush administration, the EPA allowed atrazine to continue to be used with few restrictions. (W-USA News, DC)
LETTER: People have many choices of protection Oct 8, 2009
shumphreys wrote on Oct 7, 2009 9:36 AM:" What about the victims of rape, they don't have the option to choose. What about birth defects or problems that endanger the life of the mother? Then there is the problem that nothing is 100% fool proof. As Mama says people will be people, they forget to take a pill or can't follow directions and misuse a product or are just simply stupid and act without thinking. I agree that prevention is the best policy and birth control should be made available to... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Anger erupts at landfill meeting Oct 8, 2009
As police officers looked on, the upset Kettleman City resident hollered words of protest in Spanish while holding up a picture of a baby with birth defects ... For years, they have complained about higher rates of asthma, cancer and birth defects ... Responding to a concern regarding birth defects, Kings County health officials said they have requested the state birth defect monitoring program to provide an updated analysis of birth defect statistics in Kettleman City. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Weed killer to be reviewed for health risk Oct 8, 2009
But new studies have shown that even at low levels atrazine in drinking water can cause low birth weights, birth defects and reproductive problems. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Major improvements made in engineering heart repair patches from stem cells Oct 8, 2009
While the clinical application of tissues engineered from stem cells in treating hearts damaged from heart attacks or birth defects is still in the future, the researchers believe progress has been made. This study showed that researchers could create the first entirely human heart tissue patch from human embryonic cell-derived heart muscle cells, blood vessel lining cells and fiber-producing cells, and successfully engraft the tissue into an animal. (EurekAlert!)
Pregnancy Tips Oct 8, 2009
While you're pregnant, stay away from cat litter, because it can carry toxoplasmosis, which can cause birth defects. Also, wear gloves while gardening in areas that cats may visit and while handling uncooked meats. (KERO 23, CA)
EPA to review health impact of weed killer Oct 8, 2009
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Environmental Protection Agency said on Wednesday it is reviewing the health impacts of an herbicide known as atrazine, a widely used weed killer that recent studies have tied to birth defects, low birth weight and premature babies. The EPA said it is reviewing the risks of the herbicide and whether new restrictions are necessary to better protect public health. (Scientific American)
Most Childhood Cancer Survivors Have Healthy Babies Oct 8, 2009
Infants born to the childhood cancer survivors weren't at increased risk for birth defects or death, but were 54 percent more likely to be born preterm and 31 percent more likely to weigh less than 2,500 grams (5. 5 pounds) at birth. (MEDLINEplus)
A Statistical Analysis of Maritime Unemployment Rates, 1946-1948. Just Kidding, More Liberal Lies About National Healthcare! Oct 8, 2009
The main causes of infant mortality -- aside from major birth defects -- are prematurity and low birth-weight. And the main causes of low birth-weight are: smoking, illegitimacy and teenage births. (Human Events Online)
Africa: Continent Leads World in Premature Infant Deaths Oct 7, 2009
The study, presented at the Fourth International Conference on Birth Defects and Disabilities in the Developing World Oct. 4-7 in New Delhi, India, reveals that Africa and Asia accounted for an overwhelming 85 percent of all preterm births combined in 2005, despite the fact that North American preterm births soared 36 percent over the past 25 years. "Relatively little is known about the causes of premature births in the developing world," Christopher Howson, Ph. (allAfrica.com)
EDITORIAL: Let Waste Management expand Kettleman site Oct 7, 2009
Opponents told commissioners they should not approve the expansion until officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area ... Opponents want the expansion stopped until health officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area ... But Kings County officials say there is no evidence of an unusual number of birth defects. (Fresno Bee)
500 pack Kings County meeting on landfill plan Oct 6, 2009
Opponents told commissioners they should not approve the expansion until officials determine what caused five birth defects in the area ... Opponents said five of the 20 babies born in the Kettleman City area over a 14-month period ending in late 2008 had birth defects, including four with cleft palates ... County health officials say they have no evidence connecting birth defects to industry in the Kettleman City area. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
